Are you wondering what there is to do in Orlando that doesn’t involve being crushed by crowds or whizzing through the air on the latest Harry Potter ride?

Good news there are TONS of both well known and hidden gems around the area.
Here are a 8 ideas to get you thinking outside the Mickey Mouse box for things to do in Orlando from someone who lived there for 2 and 1/2 years!

CHOCOLATE KINGDOM
This tour took us all a little bit by surprise! It’s kind of cheesy and little silly, but tons of good (ok interesting) information and of course along the way you get to sample some fabulous chocolate. The tour takes about 45 minutes and is located near celebration our next stop…but not before we finished things off by creating our own customized dark chocolate bar {hey it’s dairy free!}.Beyond drooling over this scene made of chocolate we learned some interesting tid bits like: Psycho used chocolate syrup for the murder scene and German Chocolate cake isn’t German at all!! I’ll let you find out the rest on your own visit.

CELEBRATION, FL
Celebration is the town that Disney created or so it’s been said. It’s not a movie set, but it looks like it’s straight out of the page of an old story novel with wrap around porches and white picket fences. Every street is beautifully manicured and even street signs that are magical.

You can simply wander around the streets taking it all in drinking a glass of wine or getting some ice cream to enjoy while you ponder what life must be like in this idyllic little place. Of course you can also play a round of golf on their gorgeous course.WINTER PARK BOAT TOURThe Winter Park Scenic boat tour is well known by locals, but not always noted in bigger magazines…which we prefer because it’s already packed to the gills! Don’t expect to show up for the hourly ride and always get on, you may need to buy tickets in advance {cash only}. The boat tour aboard a comfy pontoon with a local guide goes through the chain of lakes starting in Winter Park. Not only do you hear about the fascinating history of the area but it’s truly gorgeous as you flew through canals that of been there for years lined with trees and looking gorgeous old historic homes.After finishing the boat tour you can head over to Park Street right there in Winter Park or shopping at some small local stores and plenty of fabulous dining next to the huge park which also allows for some time to spend outside

[bctt tweet=”Don’t feel like hitting the theme parks on a #Florida vacation – 8 great ideas around #orlando”]

LAKE EOLA SWAN BOAT RIDES
From our window, we can daily watch people heading out on the lake in a foot pedal swan boat. It’s a small lake with a gorgeous fountain and wonderful walking path, so don’t worry about getting stranded too far from shore!If you finish up your paddling on a Sunday you can also take advantage of the music and lively atmosphere of the Lake Eola Farmers market.

ORLANDO MAGIC GAMEI am the first to admit that the NBA never really interested me. Growing up in Kansas City we didn’t have a team, so I rarely paid attention.

Then I attended a game in Miami and realized that these games are unlike any other sporting experience!! They are filled with dancing, DJ’s, music, light shows all the while a game is being played in the background.

CADY WAY TRAILIf you are looking to get your sweat on (possibly so you can do #7) then the Cady Way trail near Lake Baldwin is a fantastic place to start. Technically you can join the trail in a number of places, but this is one of the prettier areas and more populated if you have concerns about going solo.

Whether you want to run or bike, this trail winds through some gorgeous tree lined areas providing a safe place to move away from cars.

CUPCAKES
I recently shared unique cupcakes around Orlando and I’m mentioning it here again because the decorating classes are another fun thing to do on chilly or rainy days. Who doesn’t love a little sugar and you might just learn a few tips that will make your holiday baking even better.

DR PHILLIPS CENTER
And finally if you are looking to see a great show, and Cirque or Blue Man Group are been there done that kind of things, check the line up at the brand new Dr Philips Performing Arts Center in Downtown Orlando. Not only is the building beautiful to see all lit up at night, but you can’t possibly find a bad seat in the theater and they are running some top Broadway shows all year long.

You could take advantage of the location by visiting Lake Eola during the day, grabbing some dinner downtown and then heading to the theater as all are within walking distance of each other!